Tagaytay
City is known for restaurants offering a panoramic view of the Taal Lake and
the volcano. This is their prime
advantage and selling point. But more
than the picturesque views and the breathe of fresh air while dining, the fresh
and finely selected cuisine is unforgettable at Taza Fresh Table.

Taza
Fresh Table is one of the in-house restaurants of Taal Vista Hotel at Tagaytay
City. In my case, the place became an instant cure for a hangover – from the
ambiance, service and the food itself.

Taza Fresh Table
is driven by the passionate commitment to source local and cook global,
ensuring consistent high quality cuisine showcasing organic, single-origin and
sustainable ingredients on every plate.
The word Taza is derived from
the Arabic word Taaza which means
fresh.

The last time I had a weekend getaway at Taal Vista
Hotel was when I attended a wedding for a good friend of mine and a fraternity
brother in law school. It was one of the
relaxing moments as I recall, because everything we need for a short vacation
was within the confines of the hotel. We
had no time to wander (or we ditched the idea) of roaming around the city.

On the same experience I had years ago, I am back at
the Taal Vista Hotel together with my travel buddies. And as expected, this will be mostly of food
tasting and lounging with a view of the famed Taal Lake and Volcano.

In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila and a short distance from the major thoroughfare, EDSA, there stood one hotel that has been a witness to the infrastructure development that surrounds yet maintained its original ambiance and world-class service in the hospitality industry.

Villas in the metro is truly a unique concept. The Legend Villas in Mandaluyong City is a 100% Filipino-owned hotel and in my perception, usually villas equate to Bali or some island destination accommodations. But the villas at the legend hotel does not only make you feel as one in vacation but within the comforts of your own home.

In a gently curved staircase of polished barandillas, fine wood interiors and Venetian glass-framed mirrors, the hotel lobby and reception area of the hotel is a good introduction of what to expect for this hotel. Truly, elegant and world-class.

Checking-in was a breeze as receptionists are attentive and efficient not to mention the smiling faces they impart. I was able to check-in twice at the said hotel for the same room type – the Deluxe room.

DELUXE ROOM
The spacious air-conditioned Deluxe room is ideal for businessmen, couples and small families. The wooden floors and the minimal interiors is truly relaxing that it even reminds me of ancestral houses back in the province. The touch of western interior design, that is usual for luxury hotels is not that apparent and it indeed the hotel lives up to promote its being a 100% Filipino brand.
The room comes with two (2) double beds, bedside control panel, telephone, cable TV and ensuite toilet and bath.Click to check other room types and rates.LOLA MARIA RESTAURANT
The in-house restaurant of Legend Villas has one of the best buffet offerings in the metro. The restaurant provides a line-up of festive, home-style dishes from the different regions of the Philippines. It also serves a-la-carte dining.
The wooden furnishings and interior design provides a homey vibe that it truly is a kitchen within the comforts of a hotel.AMENITIES AND SERVICES
To complete the hassle-free staycation at the metro, Legend Villas provides an array of services for guest’ convenience and a number of amenities for relaxation.
Apart from the spacious parking area which is complimentary for guests and is an advantage for the hotel especially that parking is difficult within this busy side of the metro, amenities include: swimming pool (open from 8am to 9pm), outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness gym with basic cardio equipment, 24/7 business center, 248 square meters pillarless Banahaw ballroom, 142 square meter Raja Ballroom (divided into 3 function rooms) and seven smaller meeting and function rooms, ranging from 30 sq.m. to 135 sq.m.
Services offered by Legend Villas include: airport transfer and shuttle service (with fee), 24/7 front desk, free high-speed wi-fi internet access, room service, valet, laundry service, in-room massage, meetings and events services, safety deposit box, 24/7 security and daily housekeeping. All these and the Filipino hospitality makes the hotel a standout accommodation choice for foreign guests.Legend VillasClick to book for discounted rates
60 Pioneer corner Madison streets
Mandaluyong City 1550
Phone: +632 702 2700 to 04
centralreservations@legendhotels.com.ph

Located
at Taiwan’s mountainous eastern coast, Hualien is the largest of all counties
in Taiwan. And coming to Taiwan for the
third time, I have no idea where I am going.
It was another random weekend trip –devoid of planning and with the game
plan of just to chill out.

With
an early morning arrival in Taipei from Manila, we decided to stay at a nearby
hostel at Taipei Station before we hop on the early morning train to
Hualien. The approximate travel time
from Taipei to Hualien is 2 and ½ hrs.
The route was scenic though.

There’s
nothing much to do in Hualien for us. We
went out one night to know what the place has to offer. But only small shops of merchandise and food
stalls surround, with a night life of nearly nil. Thus, our stay in Hualien was almost inside
the premises of the hostel and the trip (travel time) to the Taroko
National Park.

In
celebration of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launch of Singapore’s new
destination brand Passion Made Possible, a
Singapore Travel Showcase will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from September 15 to 17, 2017.

Travel
enthusiasts keen to pursue their passion for Singapore’s incredible flavors,
awe-inspiring attractions and hottest shopping hubs must not miss the event’s
exclusive bargains and travel deals.
Participating partners including Singapore Airlines, Philippine
Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Jetstar offer irresistible travel deals to
Singapore. An array of travel agencies will
also have exciting tour packages that wanderers must not miss!

The
sunset limitation has always been a hindrance for some full-time employees who
wants to spend a weekend in small islands like Coron or Boracay. To address the concerns of these weekend
travelers and even for those who opts to travel at night as they are not used
to early morning flights and the traffic jam of the metro, Cebu Pacific Air has
extended its operations until after dusk and began welcoming night flights. The airline is the first to offer night
flights to Caticlan, providing guests the most extensive network that connects
them to Boracay.

The
city tour may not be appealing to some tourists that some may opt to travel for
hours and visit the nearby provinces and towns from Taipei City. A bus or train ride may do, even it takes
hours, for as long as, the breathe of fresh air, the scenic mountains, endless
meadows, lakes and the ocean view serves as a treat en route and as a
destination in itself.

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About The Author

I am a CPA-lawyer by profession and a full-time wanderer. My tsinelas (slippers) have been my constant companion in my quest to discover the world we live in. No matter which part of the world I am, though oftentimes mistaken of a different nationality, I am always proud to wear my slippers, a mark of a Filipino wanderer.